In Azerbaijan, there is a saying: if you wish for your heart’s desire to come true, visit seven shrines. Ask for your innermost wish, leave a donation, and it will be granted. These sacred places, or “pirs,” typically arise on the sites of the burials of healers, theologians, and saints. If you find yourself in Baku for a short visit, make sure to stop by the Tazapir Mosque.
Another must-see is the stunning architectural complex of Bibi-Heybat, located along the shores of Baku Bay. This site is ancient and spiritually charged, steeped in countless tales of healing, faith, and the renewal of life. Although the mosque you see today is a reconstruction, the original sanctuary was destroyed in the 1930s. By the end of the last century, it was meticulously rebuilt according to old blueprints and sketches. Notably, this mosque is one of the three major sanctuaries in the Muslim world, housing the graves of direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, including four sacred tombs of individuals from his lineage.
If your time for exploring Azerbaijan is limited, make a point to visit the shrine in the village of Shuvelan, located on the outskirts of Baku. This is an easy destination to reach. The mausoleum is built over the grave of a saint and is situated within a cemetery.
The silver tomb of the saint is a true masterpiece of art. Mir Movsum Agha, a native of Baku and a member of the esteemed Sayyid lineage—descendants of the Prophet Muhammad—was an extraordinary child from a young age. Due to bone issues, he was unable to move independently or even sit up straight. Early on, those around him noticed that he possessed the remarkable ability to heal and alleviate suffering with just a touch.
Even during the harsh anti-religious times, people flocked to this extraordinary young man. Individuals came not only from various parts of Azerbaijan but also from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, seeking his help. He offered his healing services without regard for their faith and never accepted money for his assistance. Despite his own physical challenges, he greeted every supplicant with a warm smile. In 1950, Mir Movsum Agha passed away. It is said that on that day, all of Baku mourned for their healer, who had been recognized as a saint even during his lifetime. His grave became a revered shrine, one of the most respected in the region. An endless stream of visitors made their way to his resting place, coming with their requests and leaving “nyazir”—donations. Today, at the site of Mir Movsum Agha’s burial, a magnificent mausoleum has been erected, funded by the contributions of devoted believers.
